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[Classic Hits of the 70s] A Compilation of Western Songs Used in Commercials

When it comes to Western music from the 1970s, there were so many timeless classics that are still loved today.

Many of those popular songs have been used in TV commercials in Japan since back then.

And in recent years, quite a few of them have been newly featured in commercials again.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive introduction to 1970s Western songs that have been used in commercials so far.

As we gathered the tracks featured in commercials, we ended up with a wonderful collection of masterpieces, so take this opportunity to find some new favorites!

[Classic Hits of the 70s] A compilation of Western songs used in commercials (41–50)

IrresistiblementSylvie Vartan

Irresistiblement (Anata no Toriko) / Sylvie Vartan
IrresistiblementSylvie Vartan

Carried by a sweet melody, a passionate vocal pursuing a lost love resonates in the heart.

It’s a track that showcases Sylvie Vartan’s charm to the fullest.

Released in September 1968, it reached No.

13 on the French singles chart.

In Italy, under the title “Irresistibilmente,” it climbed to No.

3, capturing hearts across borders.

It has continued to be loved by multiple generations, featuring in the film Water Boys and in a Kirin Beer commercial.

It’s a perfect song for a drive or when you want to relax.

Sky Highjigsaw

A number released in 1975 by the British pop group Jigsaw.

In Japan, it’s very famous as the entrance theme for professional wrestler Mil Máscaras.

The song was originally produced as the theme for the 1975 action film “Sky High,” and it reportedly reached No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

9 on the UK Singles Chart.

It was also used as the commercial song for Kirin Happoshu Smooth.

CLAIRGilbert O`Sullivan

CLAIR – Gilbert O’Sullivan (Lyrics on screen)
CLAIRGilbert O`Sullivan

A hit number by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.

It was used as the commercial song for Toyota’s Vista.

The track is a tender ode to an uncle and his young niece; the real-life Claire was the young daughter of O’Sullivan’s producer-manager, and you can hear the little girl’s giggle at the end of the song.

It’s a warmly soothing number that leaves you feeling very happy.

SailingRod Stewart

Rod Stewart – Sailing (Official HD Remastered Video)
SailingRod Stewart

With its cool, gravelly husky voice, “Sailing” is irresistibly stylish.

Rock singer Rod Stewart—ranked 33rd in Q Magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time—released it in 1975.

Many will know it from the Subaru Legacy commercial.

Although “Sailing” is widely known as one of his signature songs, it’s actually a cover.

The original was by the Scottish folk band the Sutherland Brothers, arranged mainly around a harmonium (a type of organ) and a kick drum, giving it a strong folk feel.

Rod’s version is easier on the ears for many listeners.

Each version has its own charm, so be sure to compare them!

Get It OnChase

The Japanese title is “Black Flame,” released in 1971.

It was used as the commercial song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ canned coffee “WANDA,” featuring Junji Takada and Taichi Kokubun.

More recently, it has also been used in an NTT Docomo commercial starring Shinichi Tsutsumi and Go Ayano.

Isn’t this trumpet melody something everyone has heard?

HonestyBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Honesty (Official Video)
HonestyBilly Joel

A song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, included on his 1978 album 52nd Street and later released as a single.

With lyrics about seeking honesty in a world full of insincerity, it’s a perfect fit for commercials by financial institutions and corporations.

It has been used as teaching material in English classes, and many musicians in Japan and abroad have covered it—an enduring classic that hasn’t lost its luster even long after its release.

The HustleVan McCoy and the Soul City Symphony

A smash-hit disco track by Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony.

Many of you may have danced the night away to this song, right? It was featured in commercials for companies such as Suntory Protein Water, Torabayu job magazine, and Fujifilm.